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GL-4 and GL-5 gear oil?

 
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DayBreak



Joined: 16 Jul 2017
Posts: 1027
City/Region: Monmouth, Or.
State or Province: OR
C-Dory Year: 2018
C-Dory Model: 23 Venture
Vessel Name: DayBreak
Photos: DayBreak
PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2025 3:52 pm    Post subject: GL-4 and GL-5 gear oil? Reply with quote

For the past 6 years, I have been using marine Quicksilver/Mercury SAE 90 Gear Lube for my annual lower unit gear oil changes. I recently noticed that this oil is rated GL-4. The manufacturer states that this oil is good for all outboard motor lower units. Today, I noticed that the Suzuki Marine ECSTAR SAE 90 Hypoid Gear Oil has a rating of GL-5. I cannot find in my owner's manual or anywhere on-line if my 2017 Suzuki DF-140 outboard should use a GL-5 rated oil. Should I switch back to the OEM Suzuki GL-5 gear oil or can I stay with the marine Mercury GL-4 oil? Thanks. Gary
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Gary F
DayBreak, 23 Venture, 2018 - present
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thataway



Joined: 02 Nov 2003
Posts: 21497
City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2025 4:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The way most of us run our C Dory's the GL 4 is probably adequate. Suzuki went to GL5 in about 2015. GL 5 should not be used in earlier motors. The GL5 has more protective elements and a slightly higher visocity.
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Bob Austin
Thataway
Thataway (Ex Seaweed) 2007 25 C Dory May 2018 to Oct. 2021
Thisaway 2006 22' CDory November 2011 to May 2018
Caracal 18 140 Suzuki 2007 to present
Thataway TomCat 255 150 Suzukis June 2006 thru August 2011
C Pelican; 1992, 22 Cruiser, 2002 thru 2006
Frequent Sea; 2003 C D 25, 2007 thru 2009
KA6PKB
Home port: Pensacola FL
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DayBreak



Joined: 16 Jul 2017
Posts: 1027
City/Region: Monmouth, Or.
State or Province: OR
C-Dory Year: 2018
C-Dory Model: 23 Venture
Vessel Name: DayBreak
Photos: DayBreak
PostPosted: Sun Jun 29, 2025 11:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you Bob. I will switch back to the Suzuki GL-5 gear oil. I have read that GL-5 has twice the amount of sulfur and phosphorous when compared to GL-4. The sulfur is corrosive to copper, brass and bronze (yellow metals) and that is why it is not recommended in earlier motors.
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